L'Espace Politique (Oct 2019)
Introduction à la géopolitique de Philippe Subra : Synthèse et critique
Abstract
This article presents the theoretical and methodological work of Philippe Subra. It aims to show how they are renewing geopolitical theory by putting the question of so-called ‘ local ’ phenomena at the centre ; phenomena that have not, until now, received the attention they deserve from geopoliticians. To our knowledge, the works of Philippe Subra – which are relatively recent – have not yet benefited from synthesis work, or from the critical discussion so necessary to the blossoming of new ideas and academic orientations. However, this work is likely to bring a new impetus to geopolitical theory and, more particularly, to the analysis of conflicts in the field of planning and development. Like the work done by the Geographical School, Philippe Subra's work shows that the analysis of the representations is an indispensable tool of geopolitical analysis for projects of planning and development. In fact, the representations make it possible to appreciate relations within the territory, and especially to understand the nature of the rivalries that arise. In short, by drawing on Philippe Subra's main theoretical and methodological works, we wish to contribute to this effort of synthesis and criticism. This introductory article to the geopolitics of Philippe Subra first addresses his reading of planning and development as geopolitical issues. Then, the article presents its typology of conflicts. He then introduces his key concepts. Finally, the article allows us to review the work accomplished by the author so far, and to offer a critical appreciation of it, which is intended to be meliorative.
